A lioness at the Oklahoma City Zoo is growing a mane

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Bridget, an 18-year-old African lioness, at the Oklahoma City Zoo has suddenly spouted a "mini-mane."

In a Facebook post, the OKC zookeepers explain, that her hair has grown only in the lower face, neck ,and upper chest areas and the growth occurred from March to November 2017.

It is extremely rare for a female lion to grow a mane, so, veterinarians are trying to figure out exactly what caused the big cat to grow excess fur.

Male lions normally start growing manes at about a year old, when they begin producing testosterone.

According to ABC News, this isn't the first time a lioness has sprouted a mane. In 2013, a 13-year-old lioness at the National Zoo in South Africa had an issue with her ovaries which caused an excess production of testosterone.

Also in 2014, a group of five lionesses in Botswana were observed with manes-- most likely the result of a genetic anomaly shared by related animals.

Zoo officials do not yet know what is causing the extra facial hair but they were able to take a blood sample from Bridget's tail and are currently awaiting results.